Immunisation

Protection from meningitis (inflammation of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning)

On 1st April, 2017, all patients born on or between 1st September 1998 and 31st August 1999 became newly eligible for the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination programme.

The Men ACWY vaccination programme runs until 31st March 2018 and is being offered in response to a rapidly growing increase in cases of a highly aggressive strain of meningococcal disease group W — a disease that can cause potentially life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia. As its name suggests, the vaccine also protects against three other meningococcal groups – A, C and Y.

Patients whose dates of birth make them eligible to receive this particular vaccination will receive a letter from the Practice inviting them to book an appointment.

For further information about meningococcal disease, the vaccination programme and those for whom the vaccine is not recommended, please visit the NHS Choices website, as follows:

The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains.

You could also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. Symptoms can last for up to a week.

We offer ‘at risk’ groups the flu vaccine at a certain time each year to protect you against the flu virus.

You may be invited for a flu jab if you are:

over 65 years of age

pregnant

or have:

a serious heart or chest complaint, including asthma

serious kidney disease

diabetes

lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as

steroid medication or cancer treatment

if you have ever had a stroke

If you have any queries please contact the surgery.

For more information please vsiti the websites below:

External Websites

Flu and the Flu Vaccine – NHS Choices

Travel Services

Before travelling overseas, it is important to be aware of the possible health risks and how to prevent problems, or minimise the chances of them occurring. Most importantly, you should know:

whether there are any specific health risks in the country you are travelling to for which you need to take precautions – for example, malaria

how to avoid becoming ill when you are abroad

what to do if you do become ill when you are abroad

how to get emergency medical treatment when you are abroad

Our travel services offer advice on travel illnesses and a full range of vaccinations. In order for you to prepare for travel, call reception to make a travel appointment. Please download and complete our Travel Form and return to the surgery BEFORE your appointment.

If you are travelling abroad you will need to start thinking about your travel vaccinations 4-6 weeks before you’re due to leave as some vaccinations can take time to become effective.

One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.

Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.

Find out which jabs your child needs, when they need them, and what the benefits of each jab are.